International Heritage Alliance to Open First Regional HQ in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia will host the first regional headquarters of the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage following an agreement signed with the Ministry of Culture in Riyadh. The new office will support regional and international efforts to protect cultural heritage in conflict, post-conflict and crisis-affected areas.

The agreement was signed by Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan Altouq on behalf of Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, and by Bariza Khiari, Chair of the Alliance’s Foundation Board. The Ministry of Culture stated that the move reflects a continued focus on safeguarding cultural heritage in vulnerable contexts through international cooperation.

The Riyadh headquarters is set to function as a regional coordination centre for programmes aimed at preserving museums, archives, archaeological sites and cultural institutions exposed to conflict, environmental disasters and instability. The alliance works with governments, cultural organisations and global institutions to deliver emergency protection, capacity building and long-term preservation initiatives.

Saudi Arabia has been a member of the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage since 2017. The alliance has partnered with international organisations including UNESCO and has carried out operations in several countries affected by conflict and crisis, supporting hundreds of cultural institutions worldwide.